David rescued my career, he will be sadly missed: Murphy pays tribute to Johnson

Jockey Timmy Murphy paid tribute to owner David Johnson, who died on Saturday after losing his battle with cancer, describing him as a major influence on his career.

Murphy was Johnson’s retained rider having linked up with him after Tony McCoy was contracted to JP McManus.

The pinnacle of their partnership was the four-length victory by Comply Or Die in the 2008 Grand National.

Respect: Timmy Murphy paid tribute to David Johnson (right) after his death

Murphy said: ‘David effectively rescued my career in 2004. When we first spoke about me riding as his retained jockey I was quite surprised as AP (McCoy) had ridden most of his horses prior to that and my style is certainly different to his.

‘But he was adamant he wanted me to ride the horses and we took it from there.

‘He was a real people person who gave me confidence at times when I needed it and I have lost a true friend. He will be sadly missed and I will always be indebted to him and his family.’